With signing day so close, it's time for the weekly (every Wednesday) top 10 list. This time out: the most intriguing player chases.
1. Seantrel Henderson, OT:
In the mix: Florida Gators, Minnesota Golden Gophers, USC Trojans, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Miami Hurricanes, Ohio State Buckeyes
The nation's No. 8 prospect -- and top O-lineman according to ESPN -- plays for a tradition-rich prep program in Minnesota that has been a pipeline to Notre Dame in recent years (WR Michael Floyd was ND's biggest catch from Cretin-Derham Hall), and initially many expected the agile 6-foot-8, 320-pound Henderson to head to South Bend.
But things have been chaotic with Henderson for months and have been especially wild since two of the schools that figured to be among his top options, Notre Dame and USC, have undergone coaching transitions. And, somewhere in the mix of all this turnover was Urban Meyer's uncertain month and subsequent leave of absence. Home state Minnesota also has had some staff shake up on offense, although his coach told the Star-Tribune that "the U's back in it." (Henderson is actually taking his final official visit to "The U" down South this weekend.)
"We haven't seen anything like this and we've had some big-time players come out of this school," Cretin-Derham coach Mike Scanlan told Shandel Richardson here, also pointing out that Cretin-Derham is home to pro stars such as Joe Mauer (Minnesota Twins), Heisman Trophy quarterback Chris Weinke and tackle Ryan Harris (Denver Broncos). None garnered as much recruiting attention as Henderson, who is generally regarded as the nation's top prospect.
Richardson makes the point that Miami could have at least one built-in advantage when the big OT comes to South Florida. "Henderson is expected to attend Sunday's Pro Bowl, (which) will be filled with several former UM players. In fact, a record 10 Hurricanes were selected to play."
My hunch is that with so much uncertainty, you'd think it would help Ohio State's chances to land Henderson since things in Columbus appear rock steady with Jim Tressel. But don't count out the Irish or the Trojans. Henderson met with ND's O-line coach Tuesday and is expected to get visits from new USC coach Lane Kiffin and Tressel later this week. Henderson also will meet with UM coach Randy Shannon in Minnesota when he visits the Cretin-Derham Hall campus Thursday.
My guess: Ohio State.
2. Jackson Jeffcoat, defensive end:
In the mix: Houston Cougars, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, Arizona State Sun Devils
The No. 2 player in ESPN rankings has some interesting connections to his suitors. His dad, former Dallas Cowboys D-lineman Jim Jeffcoat, is the DL coach at Houston -- which is definitely in the hunt. His dad's alma mater, Arizona State, also is a viable option. The elder Jeffcoat reportedly was in consideration for a job with the Oklahoma staff, and the Sooners also are in the mix. Better still, Jeffcoat's twin sister Jacqueline is also committed to Oklahoma to play basketball. USC, where Jackson camped last summer, had been in the mix too since Jim Jeffcoat was once teammates and is still close to linebackers coach Ken Norton. However, Norton left with Pete Carroll for Seattle and with that, the Trojans are off the radar. Meanwhile, there is Texas, which usually lands the top in-state player, especially when it's a kid who grew up in Texas. Mack Brown spent a lot of time at Jeffcoat's school last week and some observers took it as a good indicator for OU's chances when Jeffcoat didn't commit to Texas then.
My guess: Texas.
3. Markeith Ambles, WR:
In the mix: USC Trojans, LSU Tigers, Tennessee Volunteers, Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn Tigers, North Carolina Tar Heels
Consider Ambles reason No. 188 why Tennessee fans are going to hate Lane Kiffin for a very, very long time. The Georgia receiver -- who at one point had been committed to the Vols -- visited USC last weekend. Ambles says he grew up as a USC fan and says "I've always looked at myself as a little Hollywood;" he is one of the recruits that the Pete Carroll regime hadn't stayed on. Kiffin, though, apparently has built up a bond with the 6-2, 185-pounder, who is the nation's No. 4 WR and No. 23 overall recruit. Earlier this week, Ambles hosted LSU coach Les Miles and some Tigers assistants, and they expect him to visit Baton Rouge this weekend. Alabama and Auburn are still battling for Ambles, too. Ambles visited North Carolina two weeks ago and the Tar Heels also are still a factor.
My guess: USC.
4. Da'Rick Rogers, WR:
In the mix: Tennessee Volunteers, Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida Gators, Mississippi State Bulldogs, West Virginia Mountaineers, USC Trojans
Just as fast as the Vols seem to be fading with Ambles, they could be surging for Rogers, the country's No. 6 WR. Another Georgia product, Rogers has been committed to Georgia since last June. And it appeared that the Dawgs had him locked up. But Tennessee made a hard run at him, and politically this battle sounds messy. Earlier this month, then Vols recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron had an in-home visit with Rogers' QB Nash Nance, who was committed to Vandy. Rogers was there too, and Orgeron reportedly invited Nance and Rogers to visit Knoxville. That did not sit well with the players' coach Hal Lamb, whose dad Ray Lamb is actually in charge of high school relations for UGA football.
"I heard that Orgeron was over there [at the Nances] yesterday and offered Nash but I didn't know anything about Da'Rick," Hal Lamb told the AJC on Jan. 6. "I haven't talked to anybody from Tennessee. They did that behind my back and I'm not happy with them."
Orgeron and Kiffin, obviously, had left for USC, but Vols assistant Jim Chaney has been persistent and has developed a relationship with both Nance and Rogers and Nance's dad, Mike, a one-time basketball recruit. Both players visited UT last weekend and Rogers said he liked it, according to Chip Towers:
- Rogers went on to cite much of Baggett's resume, that he'd tutored Randy Moss, Cris Carter and Chris Chambers in the NFL and Plaxico Burress and Andre Rison in college. And he talked about Dooley's NFL experience under Nick Saban and leading Louisiana Tech from obscurity to its first bowl game in seven years in only two seasons.
Rogers also did say he was still committed to UGA. On Tuesday, Mark Richt used his one visit to Rogers. Apparently, some UGA fans are fretting now more than ever since Rogers removed the profile picture on his Facebook page of him in a Georgia No. 3 jersey. As the AJC points out, he would be unable to wear No. 21 at Georgia because it was retired for 1940s star Frankie Sinkwich. But that number is available for him at UT, Rogers told the paper.
My guess: Tennessee.
5. Marcus Lattimore, running back:
In the mix: South Carolina Gamecocks, Auburn Tigers
It's down to Auburn and home state South Carolina here, and the country's No. 2 RB, as is often the case with touted uncommitted recruits at this time of the process, has gone silent. His offensive coordinator, Bobby Bentley, who doubles as Byrnes High's athletic director and public relations director, released a statement to the media last week: "At this time, the family of Marcus Lattimore has stated they will not release any information about his recruiting until Feb. 2. On Feb. 2, at Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, Marcus will address the public about his decision. Please refrain from e-mailing, texting or calling Marcus or members of his family in regards to his recruiting. The family appreciates your cooperation."
Auburn is putting together an outstanding class, which should be good news for any prospective recruit. The downside: the Tigers already do have a commitment from the country's No. 1 RB, Michael Dyer. Colleague JC Shurburtt has more here on how each school is trying to land Lattimore and detail to him how they'd use him in their offense.
My guess: South Carolina.
6. Jordan Hicks, LB:
In the mix: Ohio State Buckeyes, Texas Longhorns, Florida Gators.
Can the Buckeyes hold onto the local star, who is ranked as the nation's No. 4 player? Texas and Florida are the other finalists. Hicks visited all three officially a long time ago, going to UT and OSU before Halloween and UF in early December. Hicks has been very quiet throughout the recruiting process and instead has been busy playing basketball for his high school, Lakota West. He told the AP earlier this week he has no clear-cut favorite.
My guess: Ohio State.
7. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE:
In the mix: Oregon State Beavers, UCLA Bruins, Nebraska Cornhuskers
Few recruits have seen their recruiting stock soar faster than this speedy pass-rusher from Oregon, who is now rated as the nation's No. 17 prospect. Oregon, which had been in Odighizuwa's top four, isn't in the mix anymore, according to The Oregonian. Now it's down to Oregon State, UCLA and Nebraska. All three have had to do a thorough job of selling academics to Odighizuwa and his family. He called it "a dead tie" after meeting with all three schools last week and says he will just go with a gut feeling about where he sees himself excelling. It probably really helps the Huskers' chances since another Oregon kid, Ndamukong Suh, really flourished with the Pelinis in Lincoln.
My guess: Nebraska.
8. Christian Jones, LB:
In the mix: Florida State Seminoles, Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida Gators, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The versatile Florida LB, the country's No. 27 recruit, is a guy many observers expect will end up ultimately signing with FSU, where his dad and brother played. But Jones has said he'll make up his own mind about where he thinks he fits best. Alabama's Nick Saban visited him last week. Florida can't be underestimated with any blue-chip prospect these days. Notre Dame's Brian Kelly might come to visit this week and ND retaining assistant Tony Alford was a key move to keep the Irish in the picture. Jones' mother, Carralyn, tells the Orlando Sentinel that she has been amazed by his calm this week getting strong pushes from the likes of Saban, who she said he called one of the most "seasoned" coaches that have recruited him.
- "You would think he'd be more stressed out, but he's not," she said. "You ask him questions sometimes and there's no stress -- it's kind of scary. Everybody thinks he's going to FSU because [she and father Willie Sr.] are grads. This is truly his choice."
My guess: Florida State.
9. Lache Seastrunk, RB:
In the mix: Auburn Tigers, LSU Tigers, Memphis Tigers, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans
A dazzling talent from Texas, Seastrunk's recruitment has been as frenetic as his running style. But it is supposedly wrapping up Wednesday, according to the Temple Daily Telegram, his local paper. Seastrunk's finalists include Auburn, Louisiana State, Memphis, Oregon and Southern California. I've heard from a source that Memphis has a really good shot at landing him but the source added that no one really knows what this kid will do because things have been so chaotic.
My guess: Memp, er, Oregon.
10. Chaz Green, OT:
In the mix: Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, USC Trojans.
The Tampa product, the country's No. 52 recruit, at one time was considered a strong lean to Florida. Then it was a strong lean to Tennessee, where both his parents went to college. However, due to the Vols' coaching transition, they aren't the front-runner any more. Word is Green's family has told UT don't come calling until you have an O-line coach in place. Lane Kiffin's move to USC, though, does boost the Trojans' shot to land Green. "I have a better feel for Coach Kiffin than I did for Coach Carroll," Green told the Tampa Tribune on Jan. 14. "My feelings toward Tennessee have changed a little bit but I still have to wait and see who they'll have as head coach." Don't rule out UF or FSU though. However, Green is scheduled to take a visit to USC this weekend.
My guess: USC.
Around the college football landscape
• Last year, I wrote about how impressive a crop of players the state of New Jersey sent into the NFL in that draft class. There were an amazing seven picks in the top 30: OT Eugene Monroe, DT B.J. Raji, RB Knowshon Moreno, DB Malcolm Jenkins, LB Brian Cushing, RB Donald Brown (27th) and WR Kenny Britt (30th). I thought about this group as I've watched this week's Senior Bowl practices. Boise State's Kyle Wilson has been one of the best players on the field. The CB is another Jersey kid. In fact, he is part of the impressive 2005 class of NJ products, who also include Monroe; Jenkins; Cushing, Brown and a few others already in the NFL: Michael Ray Garvin, Anthony Scirrotto, Jordan Casillas and Tiquan Underwood. You also could factor in Jets RB Shonn Greene, another Jersey guy although he came through NY's Milford Academy in the Class of '05.
In addition to Wilson, other '05 Jersey recruits hoping to make it to the NFL: UGA's Kade Weston, BC's Rich Gunnell, UVA's Rashawn Jackson, Wisconsin's Garrett Graham, Northwestern's Corey Wootton and UConn's Andre Dixon. It's quite a haul. In case you were wondering, Rutgers had a class of 25 signees that year.
• Former Tennessee WR Nu'Keese Richardson has found a new home at Hampton University, where another ex-Vol LaMarcus Coker did pretty well, reports Shemar Woods:
- While recruiting the South Florida region last December, Hampton coach Donovan Rose and recruiting coordinator Stephen Field sat down with Richardson's aunt and uncle, high school football coach, and mentors in Pahokee, Fla. Richardson was ranked the No. 8 receiver in the nation and the Pahokee High star ended up in a recruiting battle between Florida and Tennessee. The judge's final ruling served as the last check, ensuring Richardson could suit up as soon as spring practice in March for Hampton.
"I received nothing but good remarks about (Richardson's) character," Rose said. "He's a 'yes sir, no sir' kind of guy. He was just a good kid at the wrong place at the wrong time."
• The things you learn from Twitter, Volume 915:
- Former Kentucky coach Rich Brooks (UKcoachbrooks) is "Going to do some bone fishing."
- FSU recruiting coordinator James Coley (CoachColey) "landed in NYC and headed to the 860." The 860 is Connecticut, which might indicate Coley is off to see Salisbury, Conn., D-line recruit Bjoern Werner.
- USC WR Brice Butler (USCnumber19) reports that Matt Barkley's dad is doing relief work in Haiti.
- Kentucky QB/WR Randall Cobb (Rcobb18) ate Chipotle and he liked it, but apparently it wasn't sitting well: "That chipotle was good- but its got the best of me right abt now... I feel sorry for ANYONE in this class lol"
- Bama Heisman winner Mark Ingram (Ingy22) was watching South Carolina upset No. 1 Kentucky in hoops: "Respects the heart and passion Devan Downey played with tonight. The man balled out tonight!"
• Giff Smith, Georgia Tech's recruiting coordinator and D-line coach, is leaving to join Chan Gailey with the Buffalo Bills as linebackers coach, and his departure will have a big impact on Tech in the future, writes Mark Bradley:
- Smith managed to do good work under both Gailey and Johnson -- somewhat different personalities, you'd have to concede -- and it was a credit to the chief recruiter that the Jackets' talent base was as imposing as it was. The kneejerk response is to say Smith's departure delivers an immediate blow to Tech, coming as it does eight days before Signing Day. That's probably not true. Players who've committed to the Jackets aren't going to switch because the recruiting coordinator is Buffalo-bound. (The head coach would be a different story.) Where Smith's loss stands to hurt is in 2011, when Tech was gearing up to sign its best class since 2007.
My three cents: Smith was a very underrated recruiting presence, as Bradley explains. I spoke to a former Tech assistant about what turned out to be a phenomenal GT Class of 2007 (of the 20 signees a high percentage have been key contributors and five were major impact guys -- DB Morgan Burnett, RB Jon Dwyer, LB Brad Jefferson, DE Derrick Morgan and QB Josh Nesbitt) and the coach said so much of it was due to the work of Smith and his ability to showcase Tech to recruits and keep things on track.
• Cassius Marsh, the nation's No. 33 DT, has decommitted from LSU and in favor of UCLA, BayouBengalsInsider.com reports. "I just realized that I'm more comfortable in California," Marsh said of his time at the Army Game. "I just thought that maybe traveling for school was a bad idea. I got bored in San Antonio and it made me really think about what I wanted to do about college."